Exclusive: Why Sky pundit feels Bolton Wanderers ace would be "suitable" for Chris Wilder's Sheffield United | OneFootball

The EFL Pundit has given his opinion on the Blades' recent transfer links with the on-loan Bolton Wanderers star

Former Aston Villa midfielder Lee Hendrie believes that on-loan Bolton Wanderers star Amario Cozier-Duberry would suit Sheffield United.

This comes after reports linking the exciting Brighton and Hove Albion youngster to Bramall Lane, after their recruitment chief was sent to watch the 20-year-old in action in Bolton's derby day 4-1 victory over Wigan Athletic.

The Tics did well to limit Cozier-Duberry throughout the game, but his performances so far at the Toughsheet Community Stadium will understandably pique the interest of numerous Championship clubs if Brighton were to relocate him in January.

Sheffield United have endured a nightmare start to the 2025/26 campaign, but are expected to hit the ground running sooner rather than later with Chris Wilder back in the dugout. Nevertheless, the squad at Bramall Lane is weaker than it was in May, and the club is already looking to improve things, with former loanee Harry Souttar also being linked alongside Cozier-Duberry.

In an exclusive interview with Football League World, current EFL pundit Lee Hendrie gave his opinion on the links with the exciting wide man, feeling that the state of play in January at Bramall Lane will be a big indicator of whether a move may happen.

Lee Hendrie admitted that, due to Cozier-Duberry's electric start to the League One campaign, sides in the second-tier will be understandably registering their interest.

"The fact he's flying on loan at Bolton, he's going to attract a lot of potential signings from all around the Championship, and Sheffield United are linked," he told Football League World.

Sheffield United are clearly looking to improve their squad after a tough transfer window, where they lost a lot of key personnel, but the current Sky Sports pundit feels that these links are just feelers, and the Blades' league position will be telling when it comes to making these links a reality.

"At the moment in time, things aren't going great for them," Hendrie continued. "It might be put on the back burner for now, like with Harry Souttar, key additions in January.

"Things will be a lot different in January, I can assure you of that. It could be good, or it could be bad, but that's a long way off."

Hendrie concluded by saying that, no matter the situation the Blades are in come January, someone like Cozier-Duberry would thrive under returning manager Chris Wilder.

"He'd be suitable, you'd think, coming into a tough, solid Sheffield United squad," he said.

"And with Chris in charge, he always gets the best out of his players."

Brighton and Hove Albion will need to be cautious around Amario Cozier-Duberry's Championship form

Soccer Football - Friendly - Arsenal v Juventus - Emirates Stadium, London, Britain - December 17, 2022 Arsenal's Amario Cozier-Duberry in action Action Images via Reuters/John Sibley

Whilst Cozier-Duberry's class in League One has been there for everyone to see so far this season, there'll be some doubts cast on the 20-year-old's previous exploits in the second-tier last term, where the Brighton youngster was playing on loan at Blackburn Rovers.

There, Cozier-Duberry played just 22 league games, and only six of them came from the off. He didn't make much of an impact at Ewood Park and thus needed the drop-down to play regularly and showcase his skills, which he's ultimately done so far.

Plucking him immediately out of League One and putting him back into the Championship at the first time of asking may result in something similar to his time at Blackburn happening again, so his parent club, Brighton, need to be wary.

His progress will be assessed in January, and a decision will be made. Sometimes, keeping a young player at a club he's settled at and excelled for is the better decision.

And if Bolton can find themselves up at the top end of League One come May, the 20-year-old could then find himself playing Championship football after all, if a second successive loan move is made. It may be six months later than Brighton would like, but if it ultimately benefits him the most as a player, it's the right decision.